Thomas joins the pathology team for the day

A schoolboy who needs regular hospital visits was given a behind-the-scenes tour in a bid to demystify his treatment.

Seven-year-old Thomas Cole was able to visit the pathology department at the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford to learn about what happens to blood samples and see the processes involved.

Thomas needs regular blood tests as part of his treatment for a genetic condition and the visit was suggested by one of the hospital’s play workers.

Mum Becca said: “He doesn’t enjoy blood tests, which is understandable, so we had a conversation about him visiting the department to find out more about the process to help make it feel less scary.

“He kept asking about it so I got in touch with the team and they couldn’t have been more helpful.

“He really enjoyed being able to see exactly what happens and was even given the chance to help scan some of the samples and load them on to the machine.”

The visit was arranged as part of the Harvey’s lab tours initiative, set up in memory of a young boy with leukaemia who wanted to know more about what happened to his blood samples.

Thomas was given his own lab coat to take home as well as a certificate from his visit.

Liz Bates, phlebotomy service manager, said: “It was wonderful to be able to welcome Thomas to the lab.

“We got him working, scanning samples, receiving and returning pods to the wards, as well as loading the centrifuges and booking in a blood delivery.

“Thomas learned all about how our biochemistry track worked and helped by loading on samples and watched them all go round the track in little cars. We showed him what blood cells look like through the microscope and how our machines count how many different cells there are.

“The team were really excited to share their work with Thomas and his parents and to show them what happens behind the scenes.”